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Social concerns theme meant to motivate youth
STATIONS of the CROSS
Traditional devotion took on contemporary concerns during presentation at Ursuline High School.
YOUNGSTOWN — In the Roman Catholic Church, the traditional Stations of the Cross commemorate the Passion of Jesus. Also described as the Way of the Cross, the devotion is commonly practiced during Lent and a mainstay of Good Friday.
The traditional stations were mentioned during a presentation Wednesday at Ursuline High School. But how they were interpreted by students was a contemporary litany of social concerns.
Linda Miller, a teacher and liturgy coordinator at Ursuline, collaborated with Joan Williams, who teaches English and fine arts, on the effort. Student input also figured prominently. The cast and crew had rehearsed once or twice a week for a month.
At the presentation, Miller explained that Pax Christi, an organization that promotes the peace of Christ, planned its 27th annual Way of Cross on Good Friday in New York City, walking from 47th Street to Holy Cross Church on 42nd Street. The organization promotes social action through prayer, study and action.
“This is a prayerful commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and death,” Miller said of the devotion. She added that the social justice Stations of the Cross pose the question to students on “how will you step forward?”
El Fuego, the liturgical choir, responded with the song, “Christ Be Our Light,” on how Christ can work for peace through your hands and body.
Miller said these Stations of the Cross, depicting ideas of social justice, connect with Scripture. She cited Matthew 25:15-40, which relates to using one’s talents and the words, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” When people help the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned, they are doing the deeds just as Christ would. “It’s about being active in the world,” Miller said.
She said that is the mantra of the Ursuline Sisters who were founded by St. Angela Merici of Italy. “The Italian saint is our patron,” Miller said, noting that St. Angela told her followers “to see the times and respond.”
The Ursulines, Miller said, have a tradition of addressing situations in the community by offering their help.
Miller said she hoped that the vignettes on social justice concerns would motivate “students to respond to the needs of the time.”
She noted that “Christ is counter-culture” because youth are often preoccupied with themselves and these types of presentations suggest young people reach out to help those in need.
Junior Greg Sauline participated in the dramatic interpretation of the Stations and said he is comfortable on stage and enjoys acting. “It gives a new perspective on the Stations,” he said. “I hope it motivates people.”
Emily Schrader, a junior who also was a presenter, said, “One of the cornerstones of Catholicism is following Jesus’ example to help people.”
Emily, who does volunteer service, said she hoped the ideas presented might motivate students in that direction.
Working on the technical side of the presentation, Amanda Eddie, a junior, said being involved was an outward “show of faith.” “I think it is important to bring attention to problems and make people aware. Then we can do something,” she said.
Senior Joe Pascarella took photographs of Youngstown sites that were used as part of the backdrop for the actors.
“I wanted people to look at the photos and have an emotional response,” he said. “I hope they will be touched and want to help the community.”
Greg and other students agreed that if the presentation touched just one person, it was a success.